Pirates Sign 11th Round Pick Erich Weiss to Over-Slot Deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a deal with 11th round pick Erich Weiss, according to Weiss on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/ErichWeiss6/status/353729230430932992

Weiss had good numbers in his first two years with Texas, then slumped in his junior year, which could have been the reason he dropped out of the top ten rounds. He's a line drive hitter with gap power, and while he was drafted as a third baseman he has poor range at the position and an average arm. Long term he profiles to have the upside of a utility player.

No word yet on his bonus. Weiss had been playing in the Cape Cod league since the draft.

UPDATE 12:55 AM: Dustin McComas of Orangebloods.com was the first to report the signing earlier tonight.

https://twitter.com/DMcComasOB/status/353706579771658241

McComas says he hears the deal is worth $305,000. That would mean the Pirates would be going over their bonus pool. They only have $107,800 to spend on over-slot deals before paying any penalties. Tha...

Tim is the owner and editor in chief of Pirates Prospects. He started the site in January 2009, and turned it into his full time job during the 2011 season. Prior to starting Pirates Prospects, Tim worked with AccuScore.com, providing MLB, NHL, and NFL coverage to various national media outlets, including ESPN Insider, USA Today, Yahoo Sports, and the Wall Street Journal. He also writes the annual Prospect Guide, which is sold through the site. Tim lives in Bradenton, where he provides live coverage all year of Spring Training, mini camp, instructs, the Bradenton Marauders, and the GCL Pirates.